Beauty tips for your car
Beauty tips for your car
We’re happy to spend a small fortune on lotions and potions to fight wrinkles and cellulite – because we want to look great. But what about your car?
The good news is that it’s relatively easy to keep your car in tip-top condition … and many automotive lotions and potions won’t break the bank either. Here are our top 10 tips to keep your car looking as good as you (or maybe, dare we say it, even better …)
1. Be gentle
Would you push yourself to the very limit on your first visit to the gym? Probably not – that would be pretty stupid, huh? A car is the same. When buying a new car, don’t drive it like you stole it the minute you leave the dealership. Be gentle!
2. It pays to be regular
It doesn’t help to have a facial once a year. And it’s just plain silly NOT to service your car regularly. It consists of a gazillion mechanical items, which can (and do) fail. A car that is parked on the side of the road, belching grey smoke, sure isn’t pretty.
3. Ban food from your car
This is especially prudent advice if you have kids. Yes, we know that you will do almost anything to shut them up. But food and upholstery really don’t mix.
4. Don’t ignore windscreen chips
Those tiny little chips are cheap and easy to repair. But, leave them and the consequences could be dire. Get those chips repaired – pronto!
5. Don’t overload
Your car is like your body – it is only designed for certain loads. If you’re a tiny little lady and you pick up a 100 kg load, you’ll probably mess up your back. Your car has limitations too. Car manufacturers spend millions of dollars or euros or yen or whatever, testing their cars to the very limit. They know exactly what load their cars can carry. So don’t ignore their advice in this regard.
6. Ensure that your tyres are properly inflated
A good set of tyres is like a killer pair of heels – absolutely essential. But those tyres can actually save your life and your bank balance. So ensure that they have sufficient tread depth (remember, they are the only thing attaching your car to the road). And check the inflation! (Don’t forget the spare.)
7. Avoid sunburn
Your car’s paint is like your unprotected skin: it doesn’t fancy sun. So park in the shade if you can (but not under a tree that is shedding berries; that could also damage your car’s paintwork).
8. Layer, layer!
We all know that layering works with clothes. The same can be said of your car’s interior. Put mats over the carpets for protection. And, when transporting toddlers or pets, toss some towels on the seats to protect the upholstery.
9. Keep it clean
You would not go to bed without removing your make-up. Right? Then why is your car as dirty as your ex’s mind? Keep it polished and vacuumed … and not just the day before you’re about to sell it. Also, be careful of fondling your automotive treasure when your hands are dirty. Grit could scratch the paint while certain lotions, such as sunscreen, are an absolute nightmare for your car’s paintwork.
10. Learn to drive
We know what you’re thinking. Duh. You have a driver’s licence. So you know how to drive. Wrong! An advanced driving skills course is the best way of keeping your car (and you) looking beautiful.
Text: Charleen Clarke